Plant Classification

Your students will discover the similarities and differences between the major plant groups and classify plants using simple keys. They will understand the need for classification in science, and explore some of the structures and functions of plants that enable them to function and survive. The Wollemi pine will provide an example where classification has changed as a result of new scientific evidence.

Stages:

Stage 4 Science

Duration:

2 hours

Location:

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Price:

$13 per student. Minimum charges apply

Contact:

school.excursions@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

What happens?

Explore the structural differences between plant groups of algae, mosses and liverworts, ferns, conifers and flowering plants by examining live plants

Learn about the basic functions of plant cell biology through scientific models, and use simple keys to classify plants in the Garden

Record observations, including diagrams, and draw conclusions about structural similarities within plant groups.

Students will...

Use simple keys to classify plants as algae, mosses and liverworts, ferns, conifers or flowering plants

Observe the different structural features within plant groups

Learn about the discovery and classification of the Wollemi pine.

The educator linked the concepts of dichotomy and plant features… fantastic!

Teacher, Mt Carmel School, Yass

Curriculum Links

SC4-14LW

Relate the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction ACSSU111/LW1

There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity.

identify reasons for classifying living things

classify a variety of living things based on similarities and differences in structural features

use simple keys to identify a range of plants and animals

outline the structural features used to group living things, including plants, animals, fungi and bacteria

ACSSU149/LW2

Cells are the basic units of living things and have specialised structures and functions.

identify that living things are made of cells

identify structures within cells, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall and chloroplast, and describe their functions

distinguish between unicellular and multicellular organisms

identify that different types of cells make up the tissues, organs and organ systems of multicellular organisms

ACSSU150/LW3

Multicellular organisms contain systems of organs that carry out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

identify the materials required by multicellular organisms for the processes of respiration and photosynthesis

describe the role of the flower, root, stem and leaf in maintaining flowering plants as functioning organisms

SC4-15LW

explain how new biological evidence changes people's understanding of the world

Additional content

identify, using an example of an organism or group of organisms, where the classification has changed as a result of new evidence from technological developments, scientific discoveries and/or advances in scientific understanding

SC4-1VA

appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them

SC4-7WS

processes and analyses data from a first-hand investigation and secondary sources to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions

Practicalities

Ensure you arrive 30 minutes before your lesson commences to allow time for a snack, a visit to restrooms and to stow away bags

Our Education Officers will lead your session, but the class teacher is responsible for the care of the students. Adult helpers are welcome to participate as well.

The lesson is a focused learning experience. The students will be more engaged if they have participated in some relevant pre-excursion activities.

Adult helpers will be an asset if they have roles given to them before the lesson.